Wardell Armstrong to lead mining project masterclass at Minex in Astana

A masterclass looking at the whole process of developing a mining project – from initial studies and designs through to operations and management – is being organised and led by Wardell Armstrong International at this year’s Minex forum from 17 to 19 April in Astana, Kazakhstan. The consultancy is also providing two of the four speakers – Daniil Lunev, principal mining engineer, and James McNally, technical director.

The masterclass will explore in particular how some of the analysis and design tools used during feasibility studies and project development, including the environmental and social impact assessment, can follow through to the operating phase and beyond. The ninety minute master class will start at midday on the opening day of the forum, 17 April.

Wardell Armstrong will also host the first of the plenary sessions on day two, with Dr Phil Newall, director, mining and minerals, acting as moderator. The session will address global mining economic and financial trends, and their impact on further development of Central Asia’s mining and mineral exploration.

Phil Newall will also be one of the speakers on successful project financing during the third technical session on day two, dealing with the evaluation of mining projects and investment risks in Central Asia. Shibani Bose, senior social specialist with Wardell Armstrong, will talk on globalisation and increasing the need to gain and maintain a “social licence to operate” during the fourth technical session on day two, dealing with international environmental and social requirements for mining operations. The final plenary session on day three, looking at training and professional development, will include a talk by Jan Lewis on the journey from graduation to competent person. As well as being chair of the technical committee of MINEX and president of iom3 (Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining), Jan is aWardell Armstrong director.

Nick Coppin, managing director of Wardell Armstrong International, said: “We’re delighted to be involved in so many aspects of this important event. We appreciate the opportunity to draw on our strong local experience of the mining projects managed from our Almaty offices, as well as the global expertise developed by many of our international mining specialists. We’re glad to be able to underline our well established position and long term commitment to the mining industry in Kazakhstan and central Asia.”

Minex Central Asia, the region’s principal mining and exploration forum, is being held over three days from 17-19 April at the Radisson Astana Hotel, Astana, Kazakhstan.

Wardell Armstrong will be exhibiting its full range of international capabilities in the mining sector at the exhibition accompanying the conference.